MODULE 4 DEFINITIONS

Question 1

general formula

Answer 1

the simplest algebraic
formula of a member of a homologous
series

Question 2

structural formula

Answer 2

the minimal detail
that shows the arrangement of atoms in a
molecule e.g. CH3CH2CH2CH3 (butane)

Question 3

displayed formula

Answer 3

the relative positioning
of atoms and the bonds between them

Question 4

skeletal formula

Answer 4

the simplified organic
formula, shown by removing hydrogen
atoms from alkyl chains, leaving just a
carbon skeleton and associated functional
groups

Question 5

homologuous series

Answer 5

a series of organic
compounds having the same functional
group but with each successive member
differing by CH2

Question 6

functional group

Answer 6

a group of atoms
responsible for the characteristic reactions
of a compound

Question 7

Alkyl group (general formula)

Answer 7

CnH2n+1

Question 8

aliphatic

Answer 8

a compound containing carbon
and hydrogen joined together in straight
chains, branched chains or non-aromatic
rings

Question 9

alicyclic

Answer 9

an aliphatic compound arranged
in non-aromatic rings with or without side
chains

Question 10

aromatic

Answer 10

a compound containing a
benzene ring

Question 11

saturated

Answer 11

a compound containing single carrbon-carbon bonds only

Question 12

unsaturated

Answer 12

a compoud containing the presence of
multiple carbon–carbon bonds, including
C=C, CtripleC and aromatic rings

Question 13

structural isomers

Answer 13

compounds with the same molecular
formula but different structural formulae

Question 14

homolytic fission

Answer 14

each bonding
atom receiving one electron from the
bonded pair, forming two radicals

Question 15

heterolytic fission

Answer 15

one bonding
atom receiving both electrons from the
bonded pair

Question 16

radical

Answer 16

a species with an unpaired
electron

Question 17

stereoisomers

Answer 17

compounds with the
same structural formula but with a
different arrangement in space

Question 18

E/Z isomerism

Answer 18

restricted
rotation about a double bond and the
requirement for two different groups to
be attached to each carbon atom of the
C=C group

Question 19

cis-trans isomerism

Answer 19

a special case
of E/Z isomerism in which two of the
substituent groups attached to each
carbon atom of the C=C group are the
same

Question 20

electrophile

Answer 20

electron pair acceptor

Question 21

nucleophile

Answer 21

electron pair donor